Stormwater Drainage Utility

Bellaire City Council established a Municipal Drainage Utility System on Aug 5, 2024. On Sep 16, they adopted the Stormwater Drainage Utility Fees for implementation in FY2025 (Oct 1 - Sep 30).

The City Council held a Workshop on May 13, 2024, to discuss the utility cost-of-service and rate study and were provided an update on water demand and system optimization related to the cost of providing water service.  

Why did the City of Bellaire establish a Stormwater Drainage Utility System in Bellaire?

The Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 552, Subchapter C, “Municipal Drainage Utility Systems” (the “Act”), authorizes cities to establish a stormwater drainage utility system within their municipal boundaries. It states that such authority is needed to “protect the public health and safety in municipalities from loss of life and property caused by surface water overflows, surface water stagnation, and pollution arising from nonpoint source runoff within the boundaries of the established service area.”

Creating a Drainage Utility Fee will help pay for the maintenance of the Municipal Drainage Utility System once established in Bellaire. It prioritizes and dedicates a steady source of revenue for drainage system costs not associated with property tax revenue.

  • Allows the City to add, maintain, and rehabilitate drainage infrastructure without further burdening the General Fund
  • Funds compliance efforts of unfunded regulatory mandates (stormwater quality)

What is a Stormwater Drainage Utility Fee?

It is a monthly fee on your utility bill that is a dedicated, consistent source of revenue necessary to maintain and improve the City's stormwater drainage infrastructure, which is critical to the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Bellaire.

When will a Stormwater Drainage Utility Fee go into effect, and can the public speak to the council about it?

Below is the City Council timeline for consideration of this process and establishing a fee. Two public hearings were held during this process. 

How much will it cost per month?

The City Council adopted the Stormwater Drainage Utility Fees on Sep 16, 2024 for FY2025. 

Adopted fees for FY2025 (Effective Oct 1, 2024 - Sep 30, 2025): The monthly fee will appear on your November Utility Bill.

Residential

  • Flat rate  $6.00

Non-Residential - Based on sq. ft. of impervious surface area. 

    • Up to 5,000:                 $6.00
    • 5,001 – 10,000:             $12.00
    • 10,001 – 50,000:          $20.00
    • 50,001 – 100,000:        $40.00
    • 100,001 – 250,000:     $100.00
    • 250,001 - 500,000:     $200.00
    • 500,001 and above:   $400.00

How is the fee collected each month?

On your utility bill.

What will a Stormwater Drainage Utility Fee pay for?

  • Operations and Maintenance Expenditures -  including personnel, equipment, and infrastructure maintenance and replacement
  • Capital Outlays (as fund balance allows)
  • New Debt Service - possible land purchase for detention and improvement/upsizing of drainage channels and trunk lines

Is anyone exempt from the Storm Water Drainage Utility Fee?

Mandatory

  • The State of Texas
  • Institutions of higher learning
  • Undeveloped property
  • Properties with a private drainage system

How do I speak to the City Council or staff about this?

The public is invited and encouraged to engage and participate.

  • Sign up to speak at a Public Hearing or City Council meeting: Sign-up sheets will be available in the lobby of City Hall right before the meeting, or you can email the City Clerk.
  • Submit a written comment: If you can't attend the meeting, you can submit a written comment using a Public Comment Form.
  • Watch the meeting live: You can watch on Facebook @bellairetx.gov or Livestream. 

Questions? Please contact the City Clerk.